Delve through village past at May Day event

Kevin and Jane Wain from Horton History Group preparing for May Day celebrations with Horrible Histories outside St John the Baptist Church with event organiser Lorraine Joyner NNL-150425-204849009

Published:09:32Wednesday 29 April 2015

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A colourful and light-hearted timeline that displays Hornton through history is being created ahead of the village’s May Day celebrations.

The idea was devised by Laurie Furneaux-Stewart, and members of the village’s history group have been researching different aspects of the village, dating back more than 1,000 years, to focus on what life was like for its residents ahead of the event on May 4

Themes for the research include crime, health, education and even pubs, and they are presenting it in a humourous, anedoctal and visual style based on the popular Horrible Histories children’s books.

Jane Wain, who is a member of the history group, said: “The event is now probably one of the biggest village events of the year as we do not have a summer fete anymore. We usually get quite a lot of people from the village turn up and those who come from further afield to have a look at the activities going on.

“Our First World War exhibition last year was very popular, which was brilliant. A lot of children come to this event and they have read the Horrible Histories books, so [this year] we have come up with different themes on the day.”

Villagers will also be invited to view the display and learn more about Hornton’s colourful past. Other activities on the day, which runs from 1-4pm, includes the May King and Queen competition.